The bakery may be known best for its sweet treats, but it's also a go-to place for a traditional Cubano sandwich. This menu favorite comes with slow roasted pork, topped with salty ham, Swiss cheese and pickles. Everything is piled high on a crispy Cuban bread roll.

The bakery may be known best for its sweet treats, but it's also a go-to place for a traditional Cubano sandwich. This menu favorite comes with slow roasted pork, topped with salty ham, Swiss cheese and pickles. Everything is piled high on a crispy Cuban bread roll. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Los Cinco Puntos is part meat market, part deli and part convenience store. You can order prepared meat or a taco (an asada taco is $1.25). Their tortillas, which you can order by the dozen, are made by hand right behind the counter. Tamales and tortas are about $2.

Los Cinco Puntos is part meat market, part deli and part convenience store. You can order prepared meat or a taco (an asada taco is $1.25). Their tortillas, which you can order by the dozen, are made by hand right behind the counter. Tamales and tortas are about $2. (Jason La / Los Angeles Times)

Inexpensive Mexican restaurants line North Broadway in Lincoln Heights, but El Huarachito Restaurant is one of the area's more quaint eateries. Its broad menu includes seafood dishes, breakfast items and several specialties, but stay under $5 by ordering a taco ($1.25), torta ($4.99) or burrito...

Inexpensive Mexican restaurants line North Broadway in Lincoln Heights, but El Huarachito Restaurant is one of the area's more quaint eateries. Its broad menu includes seafood dishes, breakfast items and several specialties, but stay under $5 by ordering a taco ($1.25), torta ($4.99) or burrito... (Jason La / Los Angeles Times)

At a bustling corner in Boyle Heights, the restaurant serves up tacos and tamales with its namesake filling: guisados (stewed and simmered meats). The mole poblano with chicken in a deep, sweet spicy mole sauce is a must try. For a sweeter treat, try the shredded coconut and pineapple tamale.

At a bustling corner in Boyle Heights, the restaurant serves up tacos and tamales with its namesake filling: guisados (stewed and simmered meats). The mole poblano with chicken in a deep, sweet spicy mole sauce is a must try. For a sweeter treat, try the shredded coconut and pineapple tamale. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Dining out for $5 or less may seem like a fantasy, but Southern California has much to offer for those on a tight budget. For affordable Vietnamese fare, venture to Garden Grove. Or look to food trucks for inexpensive eats. Even some pricier restaurants offer cheap eats during happy hours.